(Matthew 5:7 NLT) God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

mercy: compassion or kindly forbearance shown especially to an offender or to another under one's power

GRACE: Giving someone something they DO NOT DESERVE.

MERCY: With holding something someone DOES DESERVE.

1. Remember God always SHOWS us MERCY.

(Lamentations 3:22-24 MSG) God ’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!

(Matthew 6:12 NLT) and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

• The forgiven forgive. • Those who've received mercy show mercy.

2. Everyone will FACE GOD one day.

(Matthew 6:14-15 NLT) "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

(Matthew 18:32-33 NLT) Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?'

(James 2:12-13 NLT) So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

(Micah 6:8 NLT) No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Who do I show mercy to?

1. Anyone who MAKES A MISTAKE.

(Luke 19:2 NLT) There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. ...

(Luke 19:5-6 NLT) When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today." Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.

(James 2:13 NIV) ... Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Who do I show mercy to?

2. Anyone who lets ME DOWN.

(Luke 23:34 NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." ...

(Colossians 3:12-13 NLT) Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Who do I show mercy to?

3. Anyone FAR FROM GOD.

(Matthew 9:11-13 NLT) ... when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do." Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Who do I show mercy to?

4. Yourself!

(1 Timothy 1:13-15 NIV) Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.